Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Uchiha Ryun and gave him a meaningful glance. Uchiha Ryun nodded and said, "I just made her sleep for a while. Don't worry, there won't be any aftereffects."
"And tell her, if she wants revenge, I, Uchiha Ryun, will be waiting. Next time, it won't just be compensation!" Uchiha Ryun unleashed his aura, causing Chiyo and the other two to step back in unison, their eyes filled with fear, unwillingness, and despair.
With Uchiha Ryun in Konoha, the village was practically invincible. Did their Sunagakure really have no chance at all?
"Ryun, don't be so hostile. Don't forget we're now allies with Sunagakure. I believe they won't betray us. Right, Elder Chiyo?" Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled kindly, looking benevolent.
But to Chiyo, this smile was nothing but a facade. She could only force a smile and say, "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right, Hokage-sama."
Uchiha Ryun immediately withdrew his aura, his pupils returning to black. He held Tsunade's hand and followed behind Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura.
The group had come in high spirits and left just as impressively. Hiruzen Sarutobi played the good cop, while Uchiha Ryun and Danzō Shimura played the bad cops, thoroughly intimidating Sunagakure.
But the root cause was strength—Uchiha Ryun's currently invincible strength. At this point in time, the Susanoo was unstoppable.
Aside from certain individuals who could contend with the Eight-Tails or use certain forbidden techniques, Uchiha Ryun could practically roam the ninja world unchecked!
As for tailed beasts? Let's not forget that the Mangekyō Sharingan inherently suppressed tailed beasts, including the Nine-Tails! This was precisely why Chiyo hadn't sent Master Bunpuku to deal with Uchiha Ryun.
Had anyone ever heard of Susanoo-clad Nine-Tails? For this reason, Chiyo had no choice but to sign the humiliating treaty under duress.
Chiyo sat there in silence for a long time, her aged eyes shedding tears. Shame, what shame! To live to such an old age and still have to sign such an agreement.
Ebizō patted her shoulder in consolation, saying the blame lay with the Third Kazekage, not her.
Meanwhile, Chiron controlled a puppet to hold Pakura, knowing she had a cleanliness obsession and disliked being touched by others.
Some were happy, others sorrowful. Now, let's look at Konoha's side.
Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership, Uchiha Ryun and the others returned to the camp. Upon their arrival, the Hyūga branch family members quickly reported it, and soon, everyone gathered at the camp entrance to welcome them.
"Fellow villagers, this time, we've not only signed a peace treaty but also secured one billion ryō in compensation and 10% of Sunagakure's missions!" Hiruzen Sarutobi announced loudly.
The shinobi were stunned at first, then overjoyed. One billion ryō! That was no small sum! And 10% of Suna's missions would greatly improve their livelihoods.
"Long live the Hokage!"
"Long live the Hokage!"
"Long live the Hokage!"
Compared to empty promises, cold, hard cash was far more thrilling and impactful!
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the scene, grateful that Uchiha Ryun had steered him back on the right path. If they had only signed a peace treaty, the shinobi would likely have harbored resentment!
Water can carry a boat but also capsize it—how true those words were! Thinking this, Hiruzen glanced at Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun was currently holding Tsunade's hand while chatting with Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and others.
Sensing someone's gaze, Uchiha Ryun turned and saw Hiruzen Sarutobi. He smiled and gave a respectful nod.
Hiruzen clicked his tongue. What a winner—successful in both love and career. Seeing Uchiha Ryun like this, he even began to wonder if Tobirama-sensei had been wrong.
Were the Uchiha really so evil? Danzō, meanwhile, smiled. As the chief strategist of this operation, he would likely become second only to the Hokage.
And it was all thanks to Uchiha Ryun! What a fine clan the Uchiha were!
After letting the villagers celebrate for a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand and declared, "Shinobi of Konoha, we're going home!"
The shinobi were overjoyed. Home—what a beautiful word. However, Uchiha Ryun had already instructed the Uchiha clan to collect the remains of all fallen shinobi beforehand.
They carried one or two urns, their expressions solemn. Seeing this, other clans came forward to help, retrieving their own clansmen's ashes and expressing gratitude to the Uchiha.
This was the first time the Uchiha had received such appreciation. Some blushed, others lifted their heads proudly as they handed over the urns.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded approvingly. How could such an Uchiha clan be called evil?
The journey back was peaceful. In about two days, they reached the village gates. The villagers, seeing the troops return, quickly informed Hatake Sakumo.
Hatake Sakumo immediately summoned all clans to welcome them.
"Hokage-sama!" Hatake Sakumo saluted first, followed by the other clans.
"Yes, everyone has worked hard. Especially you, Sakumo. I heard you guarded the village diligently without slacking. I'm proud of you!" Hiruzen patted Hatake Sakumo's shoulder.
Hatake Sakumo immediately knelt on one knee. "All thanks to your trust, Hokage-sama. Please, come in and rest."
Hiruzen nodded and led the troops into the village. After a brief speech, everyone dispersed to their homes.
Uchiha Ryun instructed Uchiha Ippū to take the Uchiha shinobi back to the clan first, saying he would return later.
Then, he and Tsunade headed for the Senju compound. After being away for so long, they needed to pay respects to the elders. Uchiha Ippū acknowledged the order and led the Uchiha shinobi away.
"Tsunade, what should we buy? After being gone so long, we should bring gifts for the elders," Uchiha Ryun said with a smile.
Tsunade shook her head. "Grandma doesn't lack anything. Just your presence is enough!" She tightened her grip on Uchiha Ryun's arm.
Uchiha Ryun chuckled. "It's the thought that counts. Wait here, Tsunade. I'll buy some sweets for Grandma to try!"
Tsunade, like a dutiful wife, adjusted Uchiha Ryun's collar. "Just call her Grandma, no need for formalities. Go on, I'll wait here."
With that, she watched Uchiha Ryun enter the pastry shop, her eyes narrowing into crescents, her lips curving into a smile as she hummed a cheerful tune.
When Uchiha Ryun entered the shop, he found it was run by Uzumaki Namida, Uzumaki Nagato's father.
Namida was making pastries when the door chime rang. He looked up and saw Uchiha Ryun, exclaiming excitedly, "Lord Ryun, you've returned from the war!"
Uchiha Ryun smiled. "Yes, I just got back. I wanted to visit the elders and buy some pastries. Didn't expect to run into you, Namida."
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